Nichole Marie Merckes, age 32 of Bowler, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 21, 2013 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born on June 29, 1980, she was the daughter of Claude and Patricia (Vele) Merckes. Nichole was raised in Glendale and was a graduate of Nicolet High School. After graduation, Nichole furthered her education by receiving a Bachelor's Degree in First Nations Studies from the University of WI-Green Bay. While there, she was very active in the Multi-Cultural Organization and the Inter-Tribal Council and enjoyed coordinating and attending campus Pow-Wows and other cultural events. Nichole later worked as a VISTA Volunteer, through Americorps, with the Stockbride-Munsee Tribe and most recently, served the Ho-Chunk Nation as an Elder Care Service Provider. She attended the Lutheran Church of the Wilderness in Bowler and was a loving mother to her two beautiful beloved daughters. Her love of music, singing, and poetry, along with her warm spirit, and never-ending generosity will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Nichole is survived by: her 2 daughters, Madeline Rose Merckes-Lobermeier and Sophie Irene Merckes-Roberts both of Bowler; her significant other Joshua Roberts; her parents, Claude and Patricia Merckes of Bowler; her grandmother, Carol Vele of Bowler; a sister, Tracy Lynn (fiancé, Weston Miller) Lobermier of Bowler; and a brother, Brandon Matthew (fiancé, Rebecca Wyne) Merckes of Birnamwood. She is further survived by: her niece, Layla; her nephews, Weston Jr., Jaden, Bradley and Nicholas; her numerous special aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and family; and her companion and special canine, Casey. Nichole is preceded in death by: her Grandparents, Nicholas and Madeline (Kramer) Merckes; and her Grandfather, Merton Vele. Funeral services will be held 2:00p.m. on Monday, February 25, 2013 at the Lutheran Church of the Wilderness, Bowler with the Rev. Melinda Shriner officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 10:30a.m. until the time of the service. Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com